Pollock Pines is a contemporary community sitting on the ridge overlooking the South Fork of the American River and the western boundary of the Eldorado National Forest. Highway 50 drops into the river canyon just east of town.
At a comfortable 3000 feet, the pine trees grow taller, the forests fill out, and with a full four seasons Pollock Pines is a nice place to live.
Apple Hill is what fall was invented for...
At a comfortable 3000 feet, the pine trees grow taller, the forests fill out, and with a full four seasons Pollock Pines is a nice place to live.
The town sits along the old Pony Express Trail and the historic Carson Pass Emigrant Trail. The Emigrant Trail drops down the ridge to Sly Park and Jenkinson Lake and then begins its long arduous climb to Highway 88 near Silver Lake and then on to the Carson Pass.
Along the historic route that became Highway 50, freight wagons passed by daily on their way to the Comstock Lode in Nevada. Today travelers zip by on Highway 50 as they head for their favorite recreation sites in the Central Sierra or travel to Lake Tahoe or the Stateline casinos in Nevada. Pollock Pines’ accommodations are contemporary and most of the restaurants cater to a fast food lifestyle.
A quick 10 miles farther up Highway 50 is one of the classic roadhouses that have served travelers since the earliest highway found its way up the rugged South Fork of the American River. St. Pauli Inn began as the Lucky Dime Saloon and food wasn’t its main draw. The restaurant was added in the 1960s and the Old World dining including German, Austrian, Czech and American has been one of the most popular restaurants for generations.
Both motorcyclists and bike touring enthusiasts love the paved Emigrant Trail. Peddling the long climb to Highway 88 gives enthusiasts bragging rights – at least, once they finally reach the top
Every harvest and apple-pie baking season, families drive into the hills north and west of Pollock Pines to Apple Hill to buy fresh fruit, pies, organic produce, pies, crafts, pies, souvenirs, and freshly made pies. Apple Hill is what fall was invented for: www.applehill.com. Several nearby wineries host wine tasting. Later in the season, families head into the neighboring Christmas Tree Farms to cut their trees.
The access road leading down to Jenkinson Lake and the Sly Park Recreation Area heads south then east leaving Highway 50 at Pollock Pines. Power boating, sail boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trail riding – Sly Park has it all. Including the crowds on summer weekends.
Slab Creek Reservoir lies north of Pollock Pines in a relatively unknown section of the South Fork American River. Access is limited so take a map. The upper end of the reservoir can be reached via the Forebay Road that heads north out of Pollock Pines. Flat water canoeists and kayakers enjoy the long narrow reservoir and powerboats are not permitted. The welcoming silence is heavenly.
Expert whitewater kayakers can float the river both above and below the reservoir. Above: the stretch was dubbed the Golden Gate run because it was considered tantamount to suicide. Since the early days, attitudes, boating equipment, and skills have changed, but it remains one of the more difficult whitewater runs in California. Below the dam, the run is challenging but at least saner. Rafters also enjoy this run when the water release is at a good level.
| Population: | 8,567 | Links: | Chamber of Commerce: www.eldoradocounty.org Visitor Center: www.visit-eldorado.com |
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Travel 13 miles east on Highway 50 from Placerville.